Georgia, July 28, 2025
News Summary
School districts across Georgia have laid out their legislative priorities for 2025, focusing on funding, safety, and mental health. The tragic shooting at Apalachee High School has intensified calls for improved security and mental health resources. Local educators are advocating for increased funding and measures to ensure student safety, while also emphasizing the need for equitable transportation solutions and additional resources for low-income students. As the legislative session approaches, schools are pushing back against private school vouchers that could divert crucial funds from public education.
Atlanta, Georgia – School districts across Georgia have released their annual legislative priorities for 2025, focusing primarily on issues of funding, safety, and mental health support. The guidelines highlight the need for greater financial resources and security measures in light of recent events, notably the tragic shooting incident at Apalachee High School in September that resulted in four fatalities. As education accounts for approximately one-third of Georgia’s overall budget, the state’s educational leaders are advocating for significant changes to meet the needs of students and staff effectively.
With safety concerns at the forefront, nearly every school system has identified the need for improved security protocols. The state government is expected to introduce new legislation aimed at enhancing safety, including initiatives for firearm detection in schools. In the current fiscal year, the state budget has allocated grants for school safety, with each institution receiving $45,000. Local systems are advocating for the continuation and expansion of these safety grants and are pushing for security funding to be included in the regular funding formula.
Representatives from various school systems, including Cherokee, Cobb, and Gwinnett, are calling for tougher penalties for making terroristic threats within educational environments. These districts also put forth proposals to establish laws mandating the safe storage of firearms, a response to ongoing safety concerns. With a rising demand for mental health resources, fueled in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, school systems are seeking more funding to address mental health initiatives. Currently, Georgia has a recommended student-to-counselor ratio of 1:250, while the existing ratio stands at approximately 1:378, indicating a significant gap in available support for students.
Funding for student transportation has also become a critical issue, with disparities in state contributions. For example, Gwinnett County allocates over $156 million toward transportation yet only receives around $41 million from the state. This shortfall has been exacerbated over the years; data shows that state coverage of transportation costs has plummeted from 54% in 1991 to just 12% in 2021 in Cherokee County.
Moreover, local school systems such as DeKalb and Gwinnett are requesting modifications to the state funding formula that would increase resources for low-income students. They are also advocating for more investment in preschool and early learning programs, highlighting that only 55% of eligible 4-year-olds are currently participating in state preschool initiatives.
On the topic of school vouchers, school districts, including Atlanta Public Schools and those in Cherokee, Cobb, and Fulton counties, have voiced opposition to expanded funding for private school tuition. They argue that such programs, especially under the recent Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, divert essential resources from public education. The act allows families in low-performing schools to apply for grants up to $6,500 for private education, with an allocation that could affect approximately $140 million of Georgia’s education budget. Critics emphasize that these scholarships could undermine funding for public schools that need additional support.
As the state prepares for the 2025 legislative session, the collective priorities outlined by Georgia’s school systems reflect a pressing need for increased funding, enhanced mental health services, improved safety measures, and equitable transportation solutions to better serve the state’s students and educators.
FAQ
What are the key legislative priorities for Georgia school systems in 2025?
The key legislative priorities include increased funding for school safety, mental health supports, transportation, and early childhood education.
Why is school safety a major concern?
School safety is a critical concern, especially after the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in September, which left four dead. Nearly every school system has prioritized improving security measures.
What changes are being proposed for mental health services in schools?
School systems are advocating for increased funding for mental health supports and improvements to the student-to-counselor ratio, which currently exceeds the recommended 1:250 standard.
What is the stance on private school vouchers?
School systems are opposing the expansion of private school vouchers, arguing that such measures divert public funds away from struggling public schools.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| School Safety | Increased funding and legislation for security measures in schools following recent incidents. |
| Mental Health Supports | Greater funding and improved student-to-counselor ratios to address mental health needs. |
| Transportation Funding | Changes requested for the state funding formula to address disparities in transportation costs. |
| Early Childhood Education | Investment in preschool and early learning programs to increase participation rates. |
| Private School Vouchers | Opposition to funding for private school tuition, arguing it diverts funds from public schools. |
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Additional Resources
- AJC: Metro Atlanta’s School Districts Say They Need More State Funding
- 11Alive: State Identifies Low Performing Public Schools for School Voucher Program
- Atlanta News First: State Releases New List of Lowest Performing Georgia Public Schools
- WSBTV: County by County – Here Are Schools Your District State Says Are Low Performing
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Low-Performing Schools 2024
- Wikipedia: School Voucher
- Google Search: Georgia Public Education
- Google Scholar: Georgia School Funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in Georgia
- Google News: Georgia School Safety
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
